Oak Lawn Police Forming Cadet Program

OAK LAWN, IL ? The Oak Lawn Police Department has created a new cadet program geared to teens and young adults, ages 17 to 21. The goal of the program is to teach young men and women the values needed to succeed in a law enforcement career and in life.

Participants, once they have met the requirements, would be awarded two preferential points on future police officer eligibility lists. Cadets will have the opportunity to observe the inner workings of a police department, as well as receive law enforcement training, mentoring and classroom instruction.

The program is open to Oak Lawn residents between 17 and 21, who attend and graduated high school while living in Oak Lawn. Other eligibility and program requirements include:

• Attending or registered for college as a criminal justice major, proof required
• Clean Criminal and Driving Record
• Maintain a ?B? average
• Follow the program dress code
• Attend all training meetings

If accepted into the program, cadets would be eligible for $4,000 of college tuition assistance annually for up to two years. To be eligible for the preferential points, cadets must be in good standing for two years. Also, those who complete the program will be required to volunteer 80 hours per year for special events, such as Fall On the Green, the Fourth of July Parade, and fireworks show.

Applications are available at the police desk in the lobby of Oak Lawn Village Hall, 9446 S. Raymond Ave. Completed applications, college schedules or transcripts, and two letters of reference from non-family members can be returned to the police desk before 5 p.m. Aug. 1.

Any questions, contact Chief Dan Vittorio at dvittorio@oaklawn-il.gov.